Robert Kraft breaks silence on Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran tour

Robert Kraft defends removing Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour, citing alleged hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has defended the decision to prevent rapper Macklemore from performing at upcoming Ed Sheeran tour dates, citing concerns over alleged antisemitic rhetoric and hate speech.

Kraft said Gillette Stadium, which is owned by the Kraft Group, has a commitment to providing a welcoming environment and does not want events at the venue to provide a platform for hate speech. Macklemore had been scheduled to perform alongside Sheeran at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 25 and 26.

The decision follows Macklemore’s comments about Palestine during Ed Sheeran’s shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sept. 4 and 5. Macklemore has said Kraft contacted Sheeran and rallied other stadium owners to prevent him from performing at their venues if he remained on the U.S. Loop Tour.

Concert promoter Messina Touring Group announced on Sept. 14 that Macklemore would no longer perform on the remaining U.S. support dates. The promoter said venues had indicated they would not allow concerts with Macklemore on the lineup and that keeping him on the tour could have resulted in its cancellation.

In his statement, Kraft said the decision was not intended to diminish Palestinian suffering or prevent advocacy for Palestinians. He said he supports peace and opportunities for Palestinians while opposing Hamas, antisemitism and hate.

Macklemore has defended his comments, arguing that supporting Palestinians should not be treated as controversial. He also said there is no neutral position between what he described as an oppressor and an oppressed population.

Kraft said he would welcome the opportunity to meet with Macklemore to discuss the situation. Sheeran has not publicly commented on the decision, while Macklemore and Sheeran had not immediately responded to Kraft’s statement.